South Bend, Our Home
The University of Notre Dame is located in St. Joseph County, Indiana, and is adjacent to South Bend, the state’s fourth-largest city and part of the South Bend-Elkhart region, with a population of more than 300,000.
Notre Dame is committed to the community in which it resides and is proud to play a part in the region’s competitiveness and economic prosperity. In the fall of 2023, when the University published its strategic framework, the region was singled out as a major priority. During his inaugural year as the University’s 18th president, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C., expressed a desire to expand Notre Dame’s relationship with the region in “the most respectful, thoughtful, and collaborative way possible.”
The histories of Notre Dame and South Bend are intertwined. South Bend was founded as a fur trading post in 1823 along the "south bend" of the St. Joseph River, becoming a city in 1865. Rev. Edward Sorin, C.S.C., established Notre Dame in 1842. The 20th century saw South Bend become an industrial hub, with major manufacturers like Studebaker and Singer. However, the mid-20th century brought a decline in manufacturing, and South Bend became a "Rust Belt" city. Today, the area is experiencing a resurgence driven by innovation and strategic growth, in which Notre Dame has played a part.
St. Joseph County's comeback is evident through significant investments, including an $11 billion Amazon Web Services (AWS) data center and a $1 billion revitalization of downtown South Bend. Notre Dame is a central player in downtown’s revitalization, having purchased the former South Bend Tribune building with plans to develop it into a tech and talent hub. The city and the campus are now more connected than ever, thanks to the Link Trail, which opened in 2025. This path, a favorite of both students and residents, is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships.
The region offers a vibrant array of arts, entertainment, and recreation. The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Elkhart's Lerner Theatre, and Notre Dame's own DeBartolo Performing Arts Center (DPAC) host top national acts. Nearby, the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art, which opened in 2023, offers original works and free admission. Sports fans can enjoy a South Bend Cubs baseball game at Four Winds Field, which is undergoing a $48 million renovation. For those seeking relaxation, the beaches of Lake Michigan are less than an hour's drive away.
From vibrant downtowns and scenic trails to theaters, ballparks, and nearby lakeshores, the South Bend-Elkhart region offers an exceptional quality of life—one that continues to evolve alongside the University. With a spirit of collaboration and a shared vision for what’s possible, the University remains committed to walking alongside the region into a bold and promising future.